TNAG-1354-FCO40-1795-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 90

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realities as to minimise the risk of intervention from

time to time by the sovereign power. At the same time,

there is little point in devising any new system of

government which puts at risk the social and political

stability and economic prosperity

of Hong Kong for,

whatever view one takes of Hong Kong's longer term

destiny, continuing stability and prosperity are the

very raison d'etre of its continued existence. It is

simple prudence, therefore, to adopt a gradual step by

step approach. Moreover, in view of the growth

momentum, coupled with social stability, which we have

enjoyed for many years past, it would seem

self-evident sense to build the new system on

relevant features of the present system.

to make

the most

(6) Practice of Government by Consultation and

Consensus

15.

One such "feature is the

long-established

practice of Government by consultation and consensus,

which is characterised by

by an absence of factions and

adversarial politics. It is a practice which depends on

the absence of parties taking up an "opposition" stance

for its own sake. It is a practice which is subject

oriented. It is a practice designed to tackle the

problems of the day via a pragmatic approach. Yet it is

a practice which does

does not rule out groupings of like

minded people either generally or by issues. Whatever

instant

commentators

evidential

support,

may claim,

the practice

sometimes with

allows, indeed

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